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Blight Inoculations on Hybrid Chestnuts – Chestnut Return Farm, Seneca, SC, April 17, 2025

Today, several hybrid chestnut trees were inoculated with a fungal culture of Cryphonectria parasitica, which causes chestnut blight, to evaluate the resistance of each tree, at Dr. Joe James’s Chestnut Return Farm. Jamie Van Clief, TACF’s Southern Regional Science Coordinator, directed volunteers for this important work.  Clemson professor Dr. Haiying Liang and her students, Roger and Sky, participated.  Also, Katie Biggert, from the South Carolina Forestry Commission inoculated trees.  Peggy MacDonald, NC/SC Chapter President was also present to help.

Jamie demonstrated the method of inoculating trees with the fungus.

Jamie demonstrated the method of inoculating trees with the fungus.

 

Dr. Joe James with Clemson student Roger.

Dr. Joe James with Clemson student Roger.

 

Clemson students Roger and Sky inoculating hybrid chestnut trees.

Clemson students Roger and Sky inoculating hybrid chestnut trees.

 

Dr. Haiying Liang inoculating chestnut hybrids with Sky and Roger. This was a great hands-on experience for her students,

Dr. Haiying Liang inoculating chestnut hybrids with Sky and Roger. This was a great hands-on experience for her students.

 

A healthy F1 American/Chinese hybrid chestnut at the Chestnut Return Farm.

A healthy F1 American/Chinese hybrid chestnut at the Chestnut Return Farm.

 

Dr. Joe James with the volunteers on a beautiful spring day.

Dr. Joe James with the volunteers on a beautiful spring day.

 

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The American Chestnut Foundation
3 days ago
The American Chestnut Foundation

We love to see so many people come together for American chestnut restoration.Back in August, Meadowview Research Farm staff members Lucinda Wigfield and Brian Henrich attended the NE-2333 meeting: Biological Improvement of Chestnut through Technologies that Address Management of the Species and its Pathogens and Pests. The meeting provided an opportunity to connect with fellow researchers, learn from a variety of presentations, and share in the latest developments in chestnut research and restoration.
As part of the meeting, Lucinda and Brian also joined a field trip to Johns Creek, getting an up-close look at chestnut research and restoration efforts in the field.
We’re glad that Meadowview staff were able to learn with other scientists and to be part of the ongoing work to restore this important native tree!
#MeadowviewResearchFarm #AmericanChestnut #ChestnutResearch #ChestnutRestoration #NE2333 #ForestRestoration #NativeTrees ... See MoreSee Less

We love to see so many people come together for American chestnut restoration.
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The American Chestnut Foundation
5 days ago
The American Chestnut Foundation

Several chestnut enthusiasts recently had the opportunity to visit John's Creek's planting in Virginia. One of the most memorable sights was the claw marks left by black bears foraging for chestnuts as they prepare for winter, a testament to the planting's success and its growing role in supporting wildlife. The visit took place during this year's NE2333 annual meeting.

#AmericanChestnut #ChestnutRestoration #ForestHealth #WildlifeConservation #HealthyForests ... See MoreSee Less

Several chestnut enthusiasts recently had the opportunity to visit Johns Creeks planting in Virginia. One of the most memorable sights was the claw marks left by black bears foraging for chestnuts as they prepare for winter, a testament to the plantings success and its growing role in supporting wildlife. The visit took place during this years NE2333 annual meeting.#AmericanChestnut #ChestnutRestoration #ForestHealth #WildlifeConservation #HealthyForests
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7 CommentsComment on Facebook

Have seen a number of true wild, pure American chestnut trees damaged by black bear. These trees are large enough to survive multiple years of “attacks” by black bear.

Hopefully the damaged bark does not serve as a corridor for the blight to enter living tissue.

Are these engineered trees or crossbred?

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The American Chestnut Foundation
1 week ago
The American Chestnut Foundation

This excellent article takes a deep dive into the history of the American chestnut, the science driving restoration efforts, and the communities helping make recovery possible. Be sure to read the perspectives shared by TACF Director of Science Jared Westbrook, Board Member Jim Searing, and PA/NJ Chapter member Mike Aucott. 🌳🌰

Read the article: rivertownsmagazine.com/stories/the-return-of-the-american-chestnut-tree,146154

#americanchestnut #forestry #ForestRestoration #citizenscience #conservation ... See MoreSee Less

This excellent article takes a deep dive into the history of the American chestnut, the science driving restoration efforts, and the communities helping make recovery possible. Be sure to read the perspectives shared by TACF Director of Science Jared Westbrook, Board Member Jim Searing, and PA/NJ Chapter member Mike Aucott. 🌳🌰Read the article: https://rivertownsmagazine.com/stories/the-return-of-the-american-chestnut-tree,146154 #AmericanChestnut #Forestry #ForestRestoration #CitizenScience #Conservation
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55 CommentsComment on Facebook

Thanks for sharing! This was a great article and we're glad to be part of the restoration efforts.

I have acreage, but no idea how to purchase these.

I will be pleased if a 100 ft, tall tree with a sweet chestnut can be developed from any of these approaches.

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The American Chestnut Foundation
2 weeks ago
The American Chestnut Foundation

The 2026 American Chestnut Symposium is taking shape! The current schedule is live, featuring expert presentations, panel discussions, restoration updates, networking opportunities, and field tours designed to bring our community together around the future of American chestnut restoration

Have research, restoration work, or a project to share? Consider participating in the poster session and connecting with fellow scientists, volunteers, conservation professionals, and chestnut enthusiasts.

Learn more, explore the schedule, and register today at tacf.org/2026-american-chestnut-symposium/

#ForestRestoration #conservation #forestry #nativespecies #americanchestnut ... See MoreSee Less

The 2026 American Chestnut Symposium is taking shape! The current schedule is live, featuring expert presentations, panel discussions, restoration updates, networking opportunities, and field tours designed to bring our community together around the future of American chestnut restorationHave research, restoration work, or a project to share? Consider participating in the poster session and connecting with fellow scientists, volunteers, conservation professionals, and chestnut enthusiasts.Learn more, explore the schedule, and register today at https://tacf.org/2026-american-chestnut-symposium/ #ForestRestoration #Conservation #Forestry #NativeSpecies #AmericanChestnutImage attachmentImage attachment+2Image attachment
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I will do my best to make it!

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